Chapter 14:crises in the realm

Alistair gave another laugh, shaking his head in astonishment. Since when has tormenting someone been so much fun? He'd spent years keeping her at arm's length, drowning himself in pack business, telling himself that having a human Luna was a mistake he couldn't afford to make emotionally, especially after she turned out to be a troublemaker. He had assumed she was weak. A liability. Nonetheless, the woman he had disregarded had become the source of the most amusement he had felt in his whole twenty-eight years of life.

Why had he ignored her for two years? Because, damn, watching her fluster, sputter, and then flee like that was the highlight of his existence. Perhaps… it was time he started paying more attention to her.

............

The towering doors of the Great Hall swung open, and Alistair stepped inside with an air of authority. His sharp golden eyes swept across the chamber, taking in the assembled figures—his Beta (Arthur), the War Elder, and several noble warriors, all standing in grave silence. A tension hung in the air, thick and foreboding.

Arthur stepped forward and bowed slightly. Alistair wasted no time. "Any results?"Alistair asked, his deep voice cutting through the silence. Arthur hesitated for a brief moment before exhaling sharply. "The matter is grave, Alpha."

Alistair's gaze darkened. "Speak." Arthur clenched his fists at his sides, his face grim. "The witches have finally responded. The message they sent is… troubling." He took a breath. "Daisy Monroe has rebelled. She's joined the vampires."

Murmurs rippled through the warriors present. The war elder narrowed his eyes but remained silent, waiting for the full report.

"Daisy?" Alistair repeated, his brow furrowing. "Why?"

Arthur's jaw tightened. "She believed that when her sister—the former High Priestess—died, she would take over leadership of the coven. Instead, they chose her sister's daughter. An eighteen-year-old girl." He paused before adding, "Daisy took the decision as an insult. She declared that if she couldn't rule the coven, she would rather destroy it."

Alistair exhaled sharply. "And the vampires took her in." It wasn't a question.

Arthur nodded grimly. "Not only that, but the witches have decided to move their coven for the time being. The vampires are hunting them, and they can't risk staying in one place. They won't be able to aid us, Alpha. They have to deal with their own crisis first." The silence that followed was heavy.

The War Elder finally spoke, his voice like rusted steel. "A powerful witch siding with the vampires is bad enough. But without the witches, our pack loses a crucial ally." Arthur exhaled, his expression darkening further. "That's not the worst of it." Alistair turned to him fully, his instincts sharpening. "There's more?"

Arthur gave a slow nod, his next words carrying the weight of doom. "The last human kingdom has fallen." A stunned silence fell over the chamber. Even the most hardened warriors stiffened at the news. Alistair's fingers curled into fists. "That means…"

"More vampires will be made," Arthur confirmed, his voice low. "The situation is getting dire, Alpha. The balance of power is shifting in their favor."

Alistair inhaled deeply, forcing himself to remain composed despite the fire burning in his chest. War was no longer just a looming threat—it had already begun. And now, they were losing ground. He turned to the War Elder. "Double the patrols. Any sign of vampire movement near our borders is to be reported immediately."

Then to Arthur: "Send word to the Grand Luna. She needs to know what's happening."His eyes swept over the warriors gathered, his voice ringing with authority."Prepare yourselves. We're on the verge of war."

"And the fact that the last human kingdom has fallen." Alistair continued, His voice was grave, yet controlled. A murmur rippled through the hall, some exchanging troubled glances while others clenched their fists.

The news was grim, but what followed was more important. "The Luna must not hear of this." Silence stretched thick in the hall. No one dared question him outright, but he saw the flicker of hesitation in some of their eyes. He exhaled slowly, his expression hardening. "I will not have her heart burdened by this loss; this would only bring her pain. I will tell her when the time is right."

A chorus of voices rose in unison. "Yes, Alpha." Satisfied, Alistair gave a curt nod. "Good. You are dismissed.".Footsteps echoed against the stone walls until, one by one, the wolves filed out. Alistair turned toward Arthur, his voice low and firm. "You stay. There is still much to discuss."

"Of course, Alpha." Arthur replied. As the doors closed behind the last of the departing wolves, the air in the chamber shifted. Whatever Alistair had to say next would not be for just any ears.